Jsinkic Posted February 23, 2014 Posted February 23, 2014 Hey everyone, One of the biggest thing I struggle with is deep water fishing 20-25 ft and more. I'm a big crank bait guy and have the deep diving crank baits and heavy bass jigs just wondering what techniques and lures you guys use to get down there and get those deep bass. Thanks! Jeff Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 23, 2014 Super User Posted February 23, 2014 Featured article on the Home Page: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/deep-water-crankbait-paul-elias.html Quote
gobig Posted February 23, 2014 Posted February 23, 2014 Its amazing how different perspective is. I don't really think of 20ft as deep. On many of our western lakes 50-80ft is a common depth range in the winter. As far as techniques, they really don't change much. You can fish most of the baits you already fish. The greatest factor around off shore fishing is being around fish. Quote
gripnrip Posted February 23, 2014 Posted February 23, 2014 6xd or 10xd. I also like a 3/4 ounce jig for deep water. If I'm on a point, I drag a carolina rig with different soft plastics. I use the Rage Eeliminator more than anything on the C-rig. Quote
Jsinkic Posted February 23, 2014 Author Posted February 23, 2014 Thanks roadwarrior for the crank bait advice. Does anyone have any techniques for deep water bass fishing? Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 23, 2014 Super User Posted February 23, 2014 I use the Rage Eeliminator more than anything on the C-rig. Me, too! However, my #1 bait for deep water structure is the Rage Tail Thumper (bluefleck), T-rigged. 1 Quote
mjseverson24 Posted February 23, 2014 Posted February 23, 2014 Dropshot, c-rig- football jig- heavy spinnerbaits, big swimbaits- deep cranks, spoons... there are so many presentations that you can use for deep water. You are really only limited by your imagination... Mitch Quote
gripnrip Posted February 23, 2014 Posted February 23, 2014 Me, too! However, my #1 bait for deep water structure is the Rage Tail Thumper (bluefleck), T-rigged. Ironically you are the reason I started using it. I met Big O at the Classic Expo last year and he gave me some of his advice and some some of the baits. He's a class act. Quote
will83 Posted February 24, 2014 Posted February 24, 2014 This is probably one of my most preferred methods, but has taken me some time as well as frustration watching my boater catch fish after fish after fish.....http://rahfish.com/how-tos/tackle-tips/going-deep-with-small-swimbaits-what-you-need-to-know/. Use as light of a weight as possible, something you will hear time and time again from the pros and it makes a huge difference. I have been able to successfully fish deep water 30 + with an 1/8 jig head, the hard part is recognizing the bottom as well as a bite;most of the time its a light tick or pull, very hard to detect when you are just starting. Forget the heavy jigs, go light as possible, start with 1/2 oz and work your way down to 3/8 if you can; my favorite is the keitech model 2 footbal jig. I guarantee you will out fish most guys if you can really get dialed in getting use to lighter weights in deep water. I know tungsten is expensive but its definitely worth it come tournament time for detecting subtle bites as well as the bottom structure. My tackle is is a light to med light, extra fast tip is essential, with 6-8 lb test for spinning gear on this technique. For deep water jigs I prefer braid, usually with a 20 lb flouro leader on a medium heavy rod with a fast tip. This technique, around ledges, rip rap, anywhere you can drag a jig has honestly doubled my catch rate. 1 Quote
Super User WRB Posted February 24, 2014 Super User Posted February 24, 2014 20-25' is about average depth from pre spawn to late fall out west, as noted this isn't considered deep water in clear deep structured lakes. Structure spoons, jigs, T-rigs, drop shot, slip shot, swimbaits, slow rolled spinnerbaits, Scrounger jigs, etc. Tom Quote
RB 77 Posted February 24, 2014 Posted February 24, 2014 20-25' is about average depth from pre spawn to late fall out west, as noted this isn't considered deep water in clear deep structured lakes. Structure spoons, jigs, T-rigs, drop shot, slip shot, swimbaits, slow rolled spinnerbaits, Scrounger jigs, etc. Tom I’m from out west and this is spot on. 20 – 30’ is an average/ common depth to fish most of reservoirs out here. 40 – 60’ depths are considered deep while 60’ + is not that uncommon in the middle of the winter or summer. If I’m fishing “shallow” in less than 15’ of water its usually either tules or grass mats neither of which are all that common in our deep water gin clear canyon reservoirs. Believe me, I do appreciate when I get the chance to flip n’ pitch or frog some mats and tules. For deep water tactics my go to is the drop shot with a close eye on the electronics. Jigs, c-rigs, t-rigs, and swimbaits make up the rest of my tactics. Some anglers swear by ice jigs (yes, those ice jigs) and spoons, but the bulk of my deep water fishing is done withthe d-shot. Quote
Super User Catt Posted February 24, 2014 Super User Posted February 24, 2014 I would be more concerned with where than I would be with what. Most anglers do not understand what structure is, how to truly identify it, interpert it, or how to fish it effectively. Most anglers do not understand what the predominate prey species is in their body of water and how that species relates to structure morning, noon, & night...with each passing season. But you can feel free to concentrate your efforts on techniques! Quote
Jsinkic Posted February 24, 2014 Author Posted February 24, 2014 I would be more concerned with where than I would be with what. Most anglers do not understand what structure is, how to truly identify it, interpert it, or how to fish it effectively. Most anglers do not understand what the predominate prey species is in their body of water and how that species relates to structure morning, noon, & night...with each passing season. But you can feel free to concentrate your efforts on techniques! I agree understanding where structure is in deep water is tough and something I am learning to do as I get better electronics. I'm in need of an upgrade lol Quote
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